Are cats harmful when u are pregnant?

Answer 1

The only real danger (and it is not minor, if it happens), is toxoplasmosis. Generally, if you catch it _during_ pregnancy, it may cause miscarriage, or blindness & other bad things to the baby.

The good news is that toxoplasmosis can be caught only once, so if you have had it, you and the baby are protected from further infection.

Cats per se do not spread toxoplasmosis (I have read that there is not recorded case in the USA of people getting it directly from cats); but clearing the litter, especially if the hard waste stays for more than 24 hours, puts you at risk. So does gardening, as a matter of fact, and any number of things totally unrelated to cats. From what I have read, if you want to keep the cat, get a toxoplasmosis test before you start trying to conceive; if you have it, there is no risk; if you don't... have somebody else take care of the litterbox for the duration. Here are links to some info about the disease:

http://www.metrokc.gov/HEALTH/prevcont/toxoplas.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/factsht_toxoplasmosis.htm

Answer 2

Cats are not harmful but you changing the litter box can be. Do not change the litter box while you are pregnant. Have someone else do this for you.

Pregnancy And Cat Litter -
How To Avoid Toxoplasmosis

Pregnancy and cat litter are a risky combination. That is: if not your cat but YOU are pregnant. The cat’s feces could cause toxoplasmosis. Cleaning the litter box and, even better, buying an automatic litter box may prevent the disease.

Go here to read more: http://www.cat-pregnancy-report.com/pregnancy-and-cat-litter.html

Answer 3

Cats aren't harmful, my mum has had a cat living in the house when shes been pregnant on 3 occasions and she gave birth to 3 healthy babies. Although cats may be considered dirty, apparently a pet is brilliant for your immune system whereas living in a constantly clean environment means you have a weaker immune system because you won't be exposed to bacteria.

Answer 4

No they are not. I know someone else will bring this up, so please read my full post before you throw your cat outside lol

There is a disease called toxoplasmosis which is carried in cat faeces but this is not the only source of contamination. Meat which is poorly cooked or stored incorrectly can also carry the protozoan. IF infection occurs during pregnancy it can cause abortion or congenital defects to the fetus.

It infects warm blooded animals including humans, livestock, birds etc., however cats are the definitive hosts to toxoplasma gondii. This means that the parasite is only able to sexually reproduce in cats (both feral & domestic).

If you have had prior exposure to it, you will have built up immunity to it, especially if you've been around cats. Speak to your doctor or midwife about a blood test to test your antibodies. There is a greater chance Toxoplasmosis infection from eating undercooked meat or improperly washed fruit & vegetables than from a cat.

Answer 5

No cats themselves aren't harmful when you are pregnant. Cat droppings are.....

You should get a test done, if your midwife knows that you are in contact with cats in the first 3 months of pregnancy

Answer 6

a lot of cats carry a parasite that could reason a ailment called toxoplasmosis. as much as a million/3 of the international's inhabitants is asserted to hold the ailment, regardless of if it rather is totally risky for pregnant women and newborns. it rather is okay to have a cat, yet do not replace it rather is clutter field! The cat's feces is typically how the ailment is unfold. Cats are additionally a concern by using fact of proximity to a newborn...in the event that they get too close whilst the toddler is sound asleep, they might suffocate the toddler on twist of destiny. save the cat out of toddler's room.

Answer 7

I've heard they are, but my two cats never hurt my pregnant sister when she was living with us. I don't think they really hurt you. Their litter box is a different story. There are dangerous germs concerning the litter box. So tho you can keep kitty, have someone else clean the litter box for the munchkin's safety.

However, when the baby is born, it's a different story. Cats have been known to smother children by getting in the crib with them.

Answer 8

Cats lick themselves 'clean,' so that their fur is coated with a thin layer of their own saliva. As they can reach parts on their body which you or I would find impossible to lick on our own bodies, this does raise some concerns. The dangers from toxoplasmosis should already be well known to everyone; & these dangers extend to dogs, & not just to furry felines. However, a good sense of your own personal hygeine (washing your hands after handling your pet), & not letting cats (or dogs/puppies) lick you or your baby's face (cute as that may seem to be), should see you, your new child & your pet/s living in harmony & health. Keep your pets wormed, & up to date with whatever 'shots' are required in your locale; & remember that there is a danger these days of being too clean, so that children do not pick up the resistance to bugs & allergies which you or your parents & grandparents might have had.

Answer 9

Yes a pregnant woman shouldn't clean out cat litter boxes.

Answer 10

Yes. Cats carry 2 different types of worm, both potentially dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies.
Toxacara can cause blindness in children, and toxoplamosis can cause you to miscarry in the early stages.
Don't handle your cat without washing your hands afterwards, keep her wormes (although remember they can become re-infected shortly afterwards so don't just do it once) and if you have to wash her bowls or clean the litter tray wear rubber gloves.